Delamere Visitor Centre
Client type Main Contractor & Public Sector
Completed by
A timber-framed visitor centre incorporating geothermal energy systems.
The new £9 million development from Willmott Dixon, on behalf of Forestry England, welcomes over 750,000 visitors a year. The site comprises a visitor centre, café, event spaces, a new cycle hub and a large outdoor covered seating area. Key accessibility improvements also took place, including a ‘changing places’ facility for people who are unable to use standard toilets, and a new car park with extra capacity and enhanced vehicle access to allow the site to better cater for busy days.
Sustainability was at the heart of this project, and our design followed suit with photovoltaics on the roof, a ground source heat pump, a sustainable drainage system in the car park, and rainwater harvesting all being implemented. The latest LED lighting and low energy products were also utilised, helping minimise the impact on the environment.
Timber was used throughout the building and provided a key design feature both internally and externally, while also demonstrating Forestry England’s commitment to a sustainable design.
